Hungarian Horntail

At least some content in this article is derived from information featured in the latest update of Pottermore. As such, spoilers will be present within the article. Please take care when reading this article if you have not yet been through the latest update.

Contents

History

The 1994 Triwizard Tournament

"Oh, don't worry about 'em, Harry, they're seriously misunderstood creatures — [Horntail breathes fires a bit too close to Harry and Hagrid's position] ...Although, I have to admit that Horntail is a right nasty piece of work."

Description and traits

It has black scales, and is lizard-like in appearance. It also has yellow eyes, bronze horns and similarly coloured spikes that protrude from its long tail. The dragon's roar is a yowling, screeching scream, and its flame can reach to about fifty feet. While having a very far reaching flame the Horntail's breath can reach extremely high temperatures as it made a stone turn red hot in seconds. Its eggs are cement-coloured and particularly hard-shelled. The Horntail's foods of choice include cattle, sheep, goats, and whenever possible, humans.

Horntails are also known for being one of the most vicious breeds of dragon; even Rubeus Hagrid commented on their ferocity.[3] Along with their viciousness, Horntails are shown being extremely fast in flight while able to keep up with a Firebolt broomstick, a broom capable of going from 0 to 150 miles per hour in 10 seconds. Horntails are also seen able to keep up with Harry Potter's flying skills; a very impressive feat considering Harry's talent as a seeker.[2]

Behind the scenes

In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the Horntail broke free of its chain and chased Harry around the castle grounds, almost causing Harry to fall to his death at one point when he was trying to reach his Firebolt, but when the chase continued, Harry flew through the Viaduct, which the Horntail crashed into causing it to fall into the chasm below, presumably to its death.

In the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, its manner to breath fire by shooting a pair of chemical liquids that cause a fire blast on contact is possibly based on the same fire-breathing manner used by dragons in the movie "Reign of Fire(2002)".[1]

When faced with the agony of trying to ask someone to the Yule Ball, Harry said that he would have preferred facing the Horntail again.

In LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4, Hermione falls into the arena with Harry and they both have to battle it. It not only breaks free like in the movie, but it also chases them into the castle.

In LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 in Year 2, there is a moving picture of a wizard being chased by a Horntail in front of Hogwarts. If one gives the wizard a sword he will kill the Horntail and give the player a key.

The horntail's appearance in the movie is based off of the dragons in the movie, "Reign of Fire"(2002). The appearance of the Horntail in movie adaptations is more akin to that of a traditional Wyvern; as it has no forelegs, a true classical dragon having forelegs, hindlegs and wings like described in the books.